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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional role for women in society and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how women perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“She's also not really going against the grain. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Context and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from us as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and irate voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.